Method and apparatus for operating a power distribution system

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for operating a power distribution system includes a power converter adapted to receive a power supply and convert the power supply to a power output, a set of solid state switching elements connected with the power output, a set of sensors adapted to sense a power demand at the set of solid state switching elements, and a controller module communicatively connected with the set of sensors and the set of solid state switching elements.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to GB 1806101.0, filed Apr. 13, 2018,the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Electrical power systems, such as those found in an aircraft powerdistribution system, employ power generating systems or power sources,such as generators, for generating electricity for powering the systemsand subsystems of the aircraft. As the electricity traverses electricalbus bars to deliver power from power sources to electrical loads, powerdistribution nodes dispersed throughout the power system ensure thepower delivered to the electrical loads meets the designed powercriteria for the loads. Power distribution nodes can, for instance,further provide voltage step-up or step-down power conversion, directcurrent (DC) to alternating current (AC) power conversion or AC to DCpower conversion, or AC to AC power conversion involving changes infrequency or phase, or switching operations to selectively enable ordisable the delivery of power to particular electrical loads, dependingon, for example, available power distribution supply, criticality ofelectrical load functionality, or aircraft mode of operation, such astake-off, cruise, or ground operations. In some configurations, thepower distribution nodes can include electrical power componentsdisposed on printed circuit boards.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of operating apower distribution system including a power converter having a powerdemand threshold, including receiving, in a controller module, a set ofpresent power demands from a set of solid state switching elements,summating the set of present power demands in the controller module,comparing the summated set of present power demands with the powerdemand threshold, and when the comparison satisfies the power demandthreshold, dynamically limiting a maximum current for at least a subsetof solid state switching elements. The set of solid state switchingelements are connected downstream of the power converter.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a powerdistribution system including a power converter adapted to receive apower supply and convert the power supply to a power output, a set ofsolid state switching elements connected with the power output, a set ofsensors adapted to sense a power demand at the set of solid stateswitching elements, and a controller module communicatively connectedwith the set of sensors and the set of solid state switching elements.The controller module is adapted to obtain the set of sensed powerdemands, summates the set of sensed power demands, and compares thesummated power demand with a maximum power demand threshold for thepower converter, and when the comparison satisfies the power demandthreshold, controllably limits a maximum current for at least a subsetof solid state switching elements.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method ofoperating a power distribution system, including receiving, in acontroller module, a set of power demands from a set of power sensorsassociated with a respective set of controllably switchable elements,comparing the set of power demands with a power demand criteria, andwhen the comparison satisfies the power demand criteria, controllablylimiting, by the controller module, at least a subset of switchableelements such that a maximum delivered power from a power converterremains less than the power demand criteria.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top down schematic view of the aircraft and powerdistribution system in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example schematic view of the power distributionsystem of FIG. 1, in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates another example schematic view of the powerdistribution system of FIG. 1, in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 4 is diagram of demonstrating a method of operating the powerdistribution system in accordance with various aspects described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The described aspects of the present disclosure are directed to anelectrical power distribution system or power distribution node for anaircraft, which enables production and distribution of electrical power,such as from a gas turbine engine driven generator, to the electricalloads of the aircraft. It will be understood that while aspects of thedisclosure are shown in or intended for in-situ use of an aircraftenvironment, the disclosure is not so limited and has generalapplication to electrical power systems in non-aircraft applications,such as other mobile applications and non-mobile industrial, commercial,and residential applications. Aspects of the disclosure can be furtherapplicable to provide power, supplemental power, emergency power,essential power, or the like, in otherwise non-emergency operations,such as takeoff, landing, or cruise flight operations.

While “a set of” various elements will be described, it will beunderstood that “a set” can include any number of the respectiveelements, including only one element.

Also as used herein, while sensors can be described as “sensing” or“measuring” a respective value, sensing or measuring can includedetermining a value indicative of or related to the respective value,rather than directly sensing or measuring the value itself. The sensedor measured values can further be provided to additional components. Forinstance, the value can be provided to a controller module or processor,and the controller module or processor can perform processing on thevalue to determine a representative value or an electricalcharacteristic representative of said value. Additionally, while termssuch as “voltage”, “current”, and “power” can be used herein, it will beevident to one skilled in the art that these terms can beinterchangeable when describing aspects of the electrical circuit, orcircuit operations. Non-limiting aspects of the disclosure are directedto limiting the delivering, supplying, providing, or the like, of powerfrom a source to an electrical load. Furthermore, non-limiting aspectsof the disclosure primarily describe controlling aspects of the powerdelivering by way of current-limiting operations. It will be understoodthat current-limiting operations are merely one example of powerdelivery control. Non-limiting aspects of the disclosure can includevoltage-limiting operations for power delivery control, or a combinationof voltage and current-limiting operations.

Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined)are to be construed broadly and can include intermediate members betweena collection of elements and relative movement between elements unlessotherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarilyinfer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation toeach other. In non-limiting examples, connections or disconnections canbe selectively configured to provide, enable, disable, or the like, anelectrical connection between respective elements. In non-limitingexamples, connections or disconnections can be selectively configured toprovide, enable, disable, or the like, an electrical connection betweenrespective elements. Non-limiting example power distribution busconnections or disconnections can be enabled or operated by way ofswitching, bus tie logic, or any other connectors configured to enableor disable the energizing of electrical loads downstream of the bus.

As used herein, a “system” or a “controller module” can include at leastone processor and memory. Non-limiting examples of the memory caninclude Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), flashmemory, or one or more different types of portable electronic memory,such as discs, DVDs, CD-ROMs, etc., or any suitable combination of thesetypes of memory. The processor can be configured to run any suitableprograms or executable instructions designed to carry out variousmethods, functionality, processing tasks, calculations, or the like, toenable or achieve the technical operations or operations describedherein. The program can include a computer program product that caninclude machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executableinstructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readablemedia can be any available media, which can be accessed by a generalpurpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor.Generally, such a computer program can include routines, programs,objects, components, data structures, algorithms, etc., that have thetechnical effect of performing particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types.

Aspects of the disclosure can be implemented in any electrical circuitenvironment having a switch. A non-limiting example of an electricalcircuit environment that can include aspects of the disclosure caninclude an aircraft power system architecture, which enables productionof electrical power from at least one spool of a turbine engine,preferably a gas turbine engine, and delivers the electrical power to aset of electrical loads via at least one solid state switch, such as asolid state power controller (SSPC) switching device. One non-limitingexample of the SSPC can include a silicon carbide (SiC) or GalliumNitride (GaN) based, high power switch. SiC or GaN can be selected basedon their solid state material construction, their ability to handle highvoltages and large power levels in smaller and lighter form factors, andtheir high speed switching ability to perform electrical operations veryquickly. Additional switching devices or additional silicon-based powerswitches can be included. SSPCs can further include operationalfunctionality including, but not limited to, current limiting,overcurrent protection, trip functions (i.e. opening the switchableelement in response to a value out of expected range), or the like.

The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and thedimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in thedrawings attached hereto can vary.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, an aircraft 10 is shown having at least onegas turbine engine, shown as a left engine system 12 and a right enginesystem 14. Alternatively, the power system can have fewer or additionalengine systems. The left and right engine systems 12, 14 can besubstantially identical, and can further include at least one powersource, such as an electric machine or a generator 18. The left andright engine systems 12, 14 can further include additional power sources(not shown). Non-limiting aspects of the disclosure can be includedwherein, for example, the generator 18 is a primary power source. Theaircraft is shown further having a set of power-consuming components, orelectrical loads 20, such as for instance, an actuator load, flightcritical loads, and non-flight critical loads.

The electrical loads 20 are electrically coupled with at least one ofthe generators 18 via a power distribution system including, forinstance, power transmission lines 22 or bus bars, and powerdistribution nodes 16. It will be understood that the illustratedaspects of the disclosure of FIG. 1 is only one non-limiting example ofa power distribution system, and many other possible aspects andconfigurations in addition to that shown are contemplated by the presentdisclosure. Furthermore, the number of, and placement of, the variouscomponents depicted in FIG. 1 are also non-limiting examples of aspectsassociated with the disclosure.

In the aircraft 10, the operating left and right engine systems 12, 14provide mechanical energy which can be extracted, typically via a spool,to provide a driving force for the set of generators 18. The set ofgenerators 18, in turn, generate power, such as alternating current (AC)or direct current (DC) power, and provides the generated power to thetransmission lines 22, which delivers the power to the electrical loads20, positioned throughout the aircraft 10. In one non-limiting aspect ofthe disclosure, at least one of the set of generators 18 can include avariable frequency generator configured or selected to generate ACpower. Non-limiting examples of the power generated by the set ofgenerators 18 can include 115 volts AC power at 400 Hz or 270 volts DCpower. In non-limiting examples, the power generated by the set ofgenerators 18 can be converted, altered, modified, or the like, prior todistribution via the transmission lines 22.

Example power distribution management functions can include, but are notlimited to, selectively enabling or disabling the delivery of power(e.g. energizing) to particular electrical loads 20, depending on, forexample, available power distribution supply, criticality of electricalload 20 functionality, or aircraft mode of operation, such as take-off,cruise, or ground operations. Additional management functions can beincluded. Furthermore, additional power sources for providing power tothe electrical loads 20, such as emergency power sources, ram airturbine systems, starter/generators, or batteries, can be included, andcan substitute for the power source. It will be understood that whileone aspect of the disclosure is shown in an aircraft environment, thedisclosure is not so limited and has general application to electricalpower systems in non-aircraft applications, such as other mobileapplications and non-mobile industrial, commercial, and residentialapplications.

Furthermore, the number of, and placement of, the various componentsdepicted in FIG. 1 are also non-limiting examples of aspects associatedwith the disclosure. For example, while various components have beenillustrated with relative position of the aircraft (e.g. the electricalloads 20 on the wings of the aircraft 10, etc.), aspects of thedisclosure are not so limited, and the components are not so limitedbased on their schematic depictions. Additional aircraft 10configurations are envisioned.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a power distribution system 30,in accordance with aspects described herein. As shown, a power source,such as the generator 18 can be connected with the power distributionnode 16 by way of the transmission lines 22. The power distribution node16 can include a power converter 32 connected with the generator 18. Thepower distribution node 16 can further include a set of solid statepower controllers (SSPCs), shown as a first SSPC 34, a second SSPC 36,and a third SSPC 38. Each respective SSPC 34, 36, 38 can be electricallyconnected with the power converter 32 at an SSPC input 46, and canfurther be connected with a respective electrical load 20 at an SSPCoutput 48. The set of SSPCs 34, 36, 38 can operably control theenergizing or de-energizing of the respective electrical load byselectively or controllably operating a switchable element to connect ordisconnect the load 20 from the power source. Each of the set of SSPCs34, 36, 38 can operate independently, or as a commonly-operated group.The control schema for operating each independent SSPC 34, 36, 38 is notshown, for brevity.

While a set of three SSPCs 34, 36, 38 connected with three respectiveelectrical loads 20 are illustrated, any number of SSPCs 34, 36, 38,electrical loads 20, or a combination thereof can be included in aspectsof the disclosure. The illustration is merely one non-limiting exampleconfiguration of the power distribution system 30. Non-limiting examplesof the electrical loads 20 can include a resistor capacitor (RC) load40, a motor 42, and a light emitting device 44.

The power converter 32 can be configured, adapted, selected, or thelike, to convert a first power received from the power source, such asthe generator 18 via the transmission lines 22, to a second powerprovided to the set of SSPCs 34, 36, 38. In this sense, the first powerand the converted second power can include different electricalcharacteristics, including, but not limited to, voltage levels, currentamounts, power type (e.g. AC or DC), frequency, or a combinationthereof. In one non-limiting example, the power converter 32 can convert270 volt DC power received from the transmission lines 22 to 28 volt DCpower supplied to the inputs 46 of the set of SSPCs 34, 36, 38.

Aspects of the power converter 32 can further include predefinedelectrical characteristics or ratings for the power converter 32. Forinstance, the power converter 32 can be “rated” (e.g. certified,cleared, intended for use, or the like) for a maximum or thresholdquantity or amount of power, voltage, current, or the like. In onenon-limiting example, a power converter 32 can be rated for up to 1kilowatt of power conversion, that is, the downstream SSPCs 34, 36, 38,or the downstream electrical loads 20 can consume up to 1 kilowatt ofpower delivered via the power converter 32. In another non-limitingexample, the power converter 32 can include a maximum or thresholdquantity or amount of power, voltage, current, or the like, in the formof a fixed value (e.g. a non-time-limited, power or current flowcapability of the converter 32 to meet the “worst case”, maximumshort-term transient total demand from all of the attached loadsindefinitely) or a dynamic threshold (adaptable to meet transientdemands using energy stored in “reservoirs”, as described herein), orbased on a fixed or dynamic threshold profile (e.g. such as based onvarying factors such as thermal or time-based considerations). Thepredefined electrical characteristics or ratings of the power converter32 can further affect the size, weight, volume, costs, or a combinationthereof, of the power converter 32, where generally, larger ratingsrelate to larger converters 32.

The set of electrical loads 20 can consume power in at least twodifferent operating schemas: normal (or continuous) operation, whereinthe quantity or amount of power consumed is generally predictable andconsistent, and transient, temporal, or temporary periods of operation,wherein a subset of loads will demand or consume a larger amount ofpower, compared with the normal operation power consumption. Thetransient periods of operation can originate from particular loadoperating conditions.

For instance, in one non-limiting example, a capacitance between thepower feed and the power feed return (such as the RC load 40) can resultin a high power transient electrical load. In this example, an intrinsiccapacitance between adjacent wires, chassis etc., an extrinsic capacitorfitted for a number of reasons including electro-magnetic interference(EMI) filtering and power decoupling, or a combination of both intrinsicand extrinsic capacitances can result in a high power transientelectrical load. In another non-limiting example, a tungstenfilament-based light bulb (such as the light emitting device 44) caninclude a cold resistance (when light is off) which is much lower thanthe hot resistance (when light is on). Thus, switching on theaforementioned light bulb can require or demand a high power transientelectrical load, compared with the demand to keep the bulb lit.

In another non-limiting example, an electric motor (such as the motor42) can include a high power transient ‘stall current’ during startingoperations higher than the ‘running current,’ due to the motor acting asa generator to internally produce a voltage opposing the supply voltageduring starting, compared with during continuous running operations. Inyet another non-limiting example, a coil of an electrical contactor witha built-in ‘economiser’ circuit can allows a relatively high transientcurrent to flow for a short time (e.g. 1 second) when the coil power isapplied to ensure that the contactor mechanism operates, before reducingto a lower current which greatly reduces the power requirement anddissipation requirements whilst being sufficient to keep the mechanismin the operated position. In yet another example, transient powerdemands can vary by a considerable amount for certain electrical loads20 depending on factors such as environmental temperature, mechanicalwear, oil viscosity, bearings, friction, or the like.

In some instances, the combined power demand during a set of electricalload 20 operations, such as when one or more of the electrical loads 20can be operating with in a high power transient demand, can exceed thethreshold quantity or amount of power for the power converter 32.Exceeding the threshold quantity or amount of power for the powerconverter 32 can result in undesirable consequences for the powerdistribution system 30, including but not limited to, saturation ofinductors, overcurrent stress inducing early failure (particularlythrough internal components such as transistors and diodes), overheatingof components, or a drop of output voltage causing other electricalloads 20 supplied by the power converter 32 to operate outside ofexpected functionality. For example, a subset of electrical loads 20including power input voltage monitoring (e.g. power supplies) may powerdown in response to a drop in power supply from the power converter 32.In other non-limiting examples, light emitting devices 44 can dim orflicker, motors 42 can slow down or stall, or contactors and relays canunexpectedly or undesirably change state in response to a drop in powersupply from the power converter 32. In yet another non-limiting example,the resulting reduction in electrical loads 20 or electrical load 20operations caused by the voltage drop can in turn cause the voltage orthe power supply to rise and the current demand to increase, such thatthe whole power distribution system 30 can start to oscillate in arepeating or non-repeating pattern.

Thus, non-limiting aspects of the disclosure can include configurationssuch that each respective SSPC 34, 36, 38 can include a predeterminedmaximum current threshold for the allocated electrical load 20. In thissense, the respective SSPC 34, 36, 38 can controllably operate by way ofthe switching element such that the respective electrical load 20, suchas a motor 42, will always receive up to a maximum current supply fromthe generator 18 (e.g. via the power converter 32), regardless of thepower demanded by the load 20. Non-limiting examples of the maximumcurrent supply for a respective SSPC 34, 36, 38 can be based at leastpartially on, for example, an overcurrent wiring protectionconsideration, a “trip” rating or function, as explained herein,“overrating” the maximum current supply (that is, raising the maximumcurrent supply to prevent false tripping during normal usage orswitching operations), temporal considerations thereof, or a combinationthereof. While aspects of the SSPCs 34, 36, 38 are described with amaximum current “supply”, it will be understood that reference to the“supply” is made with respect to power delivered from the respectiveSSPC 34, 36, 38 output to the set of electrical loads 20. In this sense,the SSPCs 34, 36, 38 do not “generate” a “supply” of current, power orthe like, but rather deliver, provide, communicate, or the like, thepower received from an upstream source (for instance, a generator 18 orpower converter 32). In this sense, the maximum current supply canoperate as a throttle, or limitation to power or current passing throughthe respective SSPC 34, 36, 38.

Collectively, the set of SSPCs 34, 36, 38 can define a set of maximumcurrent thresholds, for example, a maximum current threshold associatedwith each respective SSPC 34, 36, 38, such that the summation of themaximum current thresholds (i.e. the maximum combined instantaneouscurrent allowed for the power distribution node 16, regardless of thepower demanded by the set of the electrical loads 20), does not exceedthe threshold quantity or total amount of power for the power converter32. Stated another way, the aforementioned aspects of the disclosure canensure the instantaneous current demand for the set of electrical loads20 always remains within or less than the power converter's 32 ratedcapabilities. Thus, the set of SSPCs 34, 36, 38 (assumed to befault-free) can set the maximum total current demand that can beexperienced by the power converter 32 output under any conditions,including faulty electrical loads 20. To ensure that all fault-freeelectrical loads 20 can receive a continuous supply, the power converter32 must be rated to meet this maximum demand. For aspects of theillustrated example of FIG. 2, this ‘maximum current demand’ is thetotal of all of the SSPC maximum current or maximum power ratings.

In this example, the set of SSPCs 34, 36, 38, or the maximum currentthreshold for each respective SSPC 34, 36, 38 can be tailored to,selected for, or predetermined based on the corresponding electricalload 20, the power converter 32 ratings, or a combination thereof. Inanother non-limiting example, the power converter 32 ratings can betailored to, selected for, or predetermined based on the correspondingset of electrical loads 20, the set of SSPC 34, 36, 38, or the maximumcurrent thresholds of the respective set of SSPCs 34, 36, 38.Non-limiting examples of controllably activity for limiting the maximumcurrent threshold for each respective SSPC 34, 36, 38 can include activecurrent limiting modes of operation, such as pulse-width modulationcontrol schema, load shedding due to high transient power demands, orthe like, and are not germane to the disclosure. However, as shown inFIG. 2, controllably activity for limiting the maximum current thresholdfor each respective SSPC 34, 36, 38 is not centralized or communicativebetween components of the power distribution node 16. In this sense,each respective SSPC 34, 36, 38 operates independently of one another.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of another power distribution system130, in accordance with aspects described herein. The power distributionsystem 130 is similar to the power distribution system 30; therefore,like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 100, withit being understood that the description of the like parts of the powerdistribution system 30 applies to the power distribution system 130,unless otherwise noted. One difference is that the each respective SSPCs134, 136, 138 can include a sensor 150, such as a power sensor.Non-limiting examples of the sensor 150 can include a current sensor, avoltage sensor, or the like, and can be arranged, adapted, or otherwiseconfigured to sense or measure the amount of power, current, or the likeprovided or demanded via the respective SSPC 134, 136, 138 to therespective electrical load 20.

The power distribution system 130 can also include a controller module160 having a processor 162 and memory 164 communicatively connected withthe set of SSPCs 134, 136, 138 or the set of sensors 150. In this sense,the set of sensors 150 can provide, or the controller module 160 canobtain, a respective sensed power output 168 of each respective SSPC134, 136, 138. The controller module 160 can also be communicativelyconnected with set of SSPCs 134, 136, 138 and provide, or the set ofSSPCs 134, 136, 138 can obtain, a control input 170 from the controllermodule 160. In one non-limiting aspect, the controller module 160 can befurther communicatively connected with another power or systemcontroller 166 remote from the power distribution node 116. In onenon-limiting example, the system controller 166 can be adapted, enabled,or otherwise configured to controllably operate a set of powerdistribution nodes 116 or aspects of the power distribution system 130.For instance, the system controller 166 can include additionalinformation of operational characteristic values to the powerdistribution node 116, such as control schema aspects related to theflight phase or environmental operating characteristic of the aircraft,which may affect the energizing of electrical loads 20 or prioritizationof such.

Non-limiting aspects of the power distribution system 130 can includethe power converter 32 having the maximum or threshold quantity oramount of power, as described herein. Additionally, non-limiting aspectsof the power distribution system 130 can include each respective SSPC134, 136, 138 having a respective maximum current threshold. However,non-limiting aspects of the power distribution system 130 can includeoperations wherein, for example, the power delivered, provided,supplied, demanded, or the like, at each respective SSPC 134, 136, 138can be sensed by the sensor 150 and provided via the sensed power output168 to the controller module 160. The controller module 160, processor162, or system controller 166 can be configured to summate the powerdelivered, provided, supplied, demanded, or the like, at each respectiveSSPC 134, 136, 138, and compare the summated power with the maximum orthreshold quantity or amount of power for the power converter 32. Thiscomparison can ensure that the power delivered, provided, supplied,demanded, or the like, remains at or below the threshold quantity of thepower converter 32. For instances, in non-limiting examples, thecomparison can result in a true or false indicator, and the comparisonoutput can ensure that the power delivered, or the like, remains at orbelow the threshold quantity of the power converter 32.

In another non-limiting aspect of the disclosure, during periods of hightransient power demands by a subset of the electrical loads 20, thecontroller module 160, processor 162, or system controller 166 canfurther controllably operate the current limiting functionality of theset of SSPCs 134, 136, 138. For instance, during transient periods ofoperation wherein the summation of the total power demand for the set ofSSPCs 134, 136, 138 would exceed the maximum threshold for the powerconverter 32, the controller module 160, processor 162, or systemcontroller 166 can control a subset of the SSPCs 134, 136, 138, forexample, via the control input 170, to dynamically limit the power orcurrent supply or flow of the subset of SSPCs 134, 136, 138. The dynamiclimiting can include, but is not limited to, a control input 170 settinga maximum current value, a maximum power value, load sheddinginstructions, or the like, for the subset of SSPCs 134, 136, 138, suchthat the summation of the total power demand for the set of SSPCs 134,136, 138 drops below or does not exceed the maximum threshold for thepower converter 32.

In another non-limiting instance, when a specific electrical load 20,such as the motor 42, has a high transient power demand, such as duringstarting operations, the controller module 160, processor 162, or systemcontroller 166 can control the respective SSPC 136, via the controlinput 170, to raise or allow a temporary alteration of the maximumcurrent value for the SSPC 136 to enable the starting high transientpower demand without tripping the SSPC 136. In one non-limiting example,the controller module 160 can simultaneously raise the maximum currentvalue for a subset of the SSPCs 134, 136, 138 while lowering or limitingthe maximum current value another subset of the SSPCs 134, 136, 138, ifneeded. In yet another example, the controller module 160 can beconfigured or enabled to allow prioritization of certain electricalloads 20 over other electrical loads 20. For example, ahigher-prioritized electrical load 20, such as the motor 42, can receivea higher maximum current value or high transient power demand at theexpense of lowering or shedding another lower-prioritized electricalload 20, such as the light emitting device 44. In another non-limitingexample, the prioritization can include a phase-in of a temporaryalteration in power demanded, in conjunction with a subset of the SSPCs134, 136, 138, such that in the event two or more SSPCs 134, 136, 138‘request’ a-larger or higher, short-time, alteration of power demandedsimultaneously, or in an overlapping time relationship, then some formof prioritization will be applied to delay one or more of the SSPC 134,136, 138 maximum current by a short period of time, so that thesimultaneous demand, or overlap, can be reduced or eliminated.

This situation could be particularly common at power up or major flightphase change when a number of systems will be switched at nominally thesame moment. As explained herein, with reference to FIG. 3, the “maximumcurrent” threshold or value for each respective SSPC 134, 136, 138 canbe less than or greater than the example “maximum current demanded” inFIG. 2, providing one or more of the SSPC 134, 136, 138 (instantaneous)maximum current ratings can be reduced or increased, as explainedherein. This could be achieved by any of one or more of severalstrategies, examples including matching each SSPC 134, 136, 138 triprating to actual demand, delaying simultaneous transients, sheddingnon-essential loads, the like, or a combination thereof. The maximumcurrent threshold or value for each respective SSPC 134, 136, 138 canthus be altered (raised or lowered), so long as the summated set of SSPC134, 136, 138 maximum current thresholds does not exceed the maximumthreshold for the power converter 32

For instances, in one example, energizing an electrical load 20 having apower input capacitor can result in a high transient power demand, butcan operate satisfactorily if the current flow during power up islimited (e.g. resulting in a longer, but operational power up period).In one non-limiting example, the power input capacitor can be includedas a portion of the RC load 40. In this instance, the electrical load 20having a power input capacitor can be de-prioritized by way of thecontrol schema described herein, as long as the power supply is at leasta minimal threshold value to allow or enable the load 20 to operatesatisfactorily.

In non-limiting examples, the sensing of the power delivered, provided,supplied, demanded, or the like, by the sensor 150 can occurcontinuously, periodically, or a combination thereof. While the sensor150 is illustrated schematically as a subcomponent of the respectiveSSPC 134, 136, 138, non-limiting aspects of the disclosure can beincluded wherein the set of SSPCs 134, 136, 138 can include sensingmechanisms inherently included for operational purposes, which can beutilized to sense the power delivered, or the like, as explained herein.The controller module 160, processor 162, or system controller 166 canbe configured, adapted, enabled, or otherwise able to analyze the sensedpower output 168 from the sensor 150, determine or calculate thesummated total of demanded power (or the like), determine or calculatean equitable current limit or maximum current value for a subset of theSSPCs 134, 136, 138 (if needed), and controllably operate the respectivesubset of the SSPCs 134, 136, 138 in accordance with the current limits,via the control inputs 170. In one non-limiting example, aspectsdescribed herein can be incorporated as a portion of a controlloop-based control schema.

In another non-limiting example, the power converter 32 can include aset of energy storage components, or energy “reservoirs”, such ascapacitors, inductors, or a combination thereof (not shown). In thisexample, the energy storage components can be used to utilized to supplya higher current than the power converter is able to sustain alone, fora short period of time (e.g. the capacitor discharge time). In thisexample, the controller module 160 can be configured to allow or providefor a slightly higher maximum threshold for the power converter 32 forthat limited period of time, which can affect the determined maximumcurrent values provided to the respective SSPCs 134, 136, 138. In yetanother non-limiting example, some electrical loads 20 can exhibit ahigh transient power demand during start up periods, and thus thecontroller module 160 can controllably stagger or order the start up orpower up events for a subset of electrical loads 20 (for example, viathe control input 170 to the subset of SSPCs 134, 136, 138) to reduce ormanage peak current demand of the power distribution node 116.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart demonstrating a method 200 of operatinga power distribution system 130. The method 200 begins by selecting apower converter 32 having a power demand threshold at 210. Next, themethod 200 proceeds to providing a power distribution node 16, 116including the selected power converter 32 and a set of solid stateswitching elements 34, 36, 38, 134, 136, 138 at 220. The method 200 thenincludes receiving, in the controller module 160, a set of present powerdemands from the set of solid state switching elements 34, 36, 38, 134,136, 138 at 230.

Next, the controller module 160 can summate the set of present powerdemands at 240. The method 200 can continue to comparing the summatedset of present power demands with the power demand threshold of orassociated with the power converter 32, at 250. Finally, when thecomparison satisfies the power demand threshold of the power converter32, the controller module 160 can dynamically limit a maximum currentfor at least a subset of solid state switching elements 34, 36, 38, 134,136, 138, as needed, at 260.

The sequence depicted is for illustrative purposes only and is not meantto limit the method 200 in any way as it is understood that the portionsof the method can proceed in a different logical order, additional orintervening portions can be included, or described portions of themethod can be divided into multiple portions, or described portions ofthe method can be omitted without detracting from the described method.In one non-limiting example, the method 200 can include prioritizing theset of solid state switching elements 34, 36, 38, 134, 136, 138, ordynamically limiting the maximum current for the at least a subset ofthe solid state switching elements 34, 36, 38, 134, 136, 138 occurs inaccordance with the prioritization.

Many other possible aspects and configurations in addition to that shownin the above figures are contemplated by the present disclosure.Additionally, the design and placement of the various components can berearranged such that a number of different in-line configurations couldbe realized. In another non-limiting example, the prioritizing caninclude prioritizing the set of solid state switching elements 34, 36,38, 134, 136, 138 based on an electrical load 20 connected with therespective set of solid state switching elements 34, 36, 38, 134, 136,138. In yet another non-limiting example, the method 200 can includeidentifying a high power transient demand in the set of solid stateswitching elements 34, 36, 38, 134, 136, 138, for instance, by way ofthe sensor 150, and upon identification of the high power transientdemand, dynamically raising the maximum current for the respective solidstate switching element 34, 36, 38, 134, 136, 138 associated with thehigh power transient demand. In another non-limiting example, thelimiting of the maximum current for the subset of solid state switchingelements 34, 36, 38, 134, 136, 138 can prevent tripping of the subset ofsolid state switching elements 34, 36, 38, 134, 136, 138. In yet anothernon-limiting example, when the comparison satisfies the power demandthreshold, the dynamically limiting limits the total actual powersupplied by the power converter (that is, power actually supplied viathe set of SSPCs 34, 36, 38, 134, 136, 138 to the respective electricalloads 20) to less than or equal to the maximum power demand threshold ofthe power converter 32.

The aspects disclosed herein provide a method and apparatus foroperating a power distribution system or a power distribution node. Thetechnical effect is that the above described aspects enable operationsof the power distribution node or system without exceeding a powerthreshold of the power converter 32. One advantage that can be realizedin the above aspects of the disclosure is that the above describedaspects minimizes the power converter ratings. For example, for a givenset of high power transient demands, the aspects described hereinminimize stress on a given power converter, or minimizes a designed orrated power characteristics of the power converter. Many loads exhibit atransient current demand, typically at switch on or equivalent modechange (e.g. switching on or off), which is much higher than the currentdemand whilst operating continuously. If a power source is feeding anumber of electrical loads, then it must have the capacity to meet allsuch transient demands without adversely affecting any of the otherloads, which is liable to increase the size of energy storage components(e.g. inductors, capacitors, etc.), thereby offsetting the wiring weightreductions of utilizing smaller components. In the current disclosure,as energy storage requirement increases are not required, or can bereduced or minimized, as the power converter ratings are not exceededdue to the operations schema, and hence improves the effectiveperformance to weight ratio of the power converter.

In another non-limiting advantage, the current disclosure allows for orenables the electrical protection from the power converter beingoverloaded by transient current demands to the extent that it receivesor is demanded from during operations, as explained herein. Thus,aspects of the disclosure can enable the power system designer tominimize the volume, weight and cost of the power converter to achieve acompetitive advantage. Reduced weight and size correlate to competitiveadvantages during flight.

To the extent not already described, the different features andstructures of the various aspects can be used in combination with eachother as desired. That one feature cannot be illustrated in all of theaspects is not meant to be construed that it cannot be, but is done forbrevity of description. Thus, the various features of the differentaspects can be mixed and matched as desired to form new aspects, whetheror not the new aspects are expressly described. Combinations orpermutations of features described herein are covered by thisdisclosure.

This written description uses examples to disclose aspects of thedisclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any personskilled in the art to practice aspects of the disclosure, includingmaking and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporatedmethods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by theclaims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled inthe art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of theclaims if they have structural elements that do not differ from theliteral language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structuralelements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages ofthe claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of operating a power distribution systemincluding a power converter having a maximum power demand threshold,comprising: identifying a high power transient demand in a set of solidstate switching elements; upon identification of the high powertransient demand, raising a current trip rating for the respective solidstate switching element associated with the high power transient demand;receiving, in a controller module, a set of present power demands fromthe set of solid state switching elements; summating the set of presentpower demands in the controller module; comparing the summated set ofpresent power demands with the maximum power demand threshold; and whenthe summated set of present power demands exceeds the maximum powerdemand threshold, limiting a maximum current for at least a subset ofsolid state switching elements; wherein the set of solid state switchingelements are connected downstream of the power converter; and whereinthe limiting limits a total power supplied by the power converter toless than or equal to the maximum power demand threshold.
 2. The methodof claim 1 further comprising prioritizing the set of solid stateswitching elements.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein limiting themaximum current for the at least a subset of the solid state switchingelements occurs in accordance with the prioritizing the solid stateswitching elements.
 4. The method of claim 2 wherein the prioritizingincludes prioritizing the set of solid state switching elements based onan electrical load connected with the set of solid state switchingelements.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein, when the summated set ofpresent power demands exceeds the maximum power demand threshold,limiting the maximum current for at least another subset of the solidstate switching elements.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising,upon identification of the high power transient demand, limiting themaximum current for the respective solid state switching elementassociated with the high power transient demand.
 7. The method of claim1 wherein limiting the maximum current for the subset of solid stateswitching elements prevents tripping of the subset of solid stateswitching elements.
 8. A power distribution system, comprising: a powerconverter adapted to receive a power supply and convert the power supplyto a power output; a set of solid state switching elements connectedwith the power output; a set of sensors adapted to sense a power demandat the set of solid state switching elements; and a controller modulecommunicatively connected with the set of sensors and the set of solidstate switching elements; wherein the controller module is adapted toidentify a high power transient demand in the set of solid stateswitching elements, and upon identification of the high power transientdemand, raise a current trip rating for the respective solid stateswitching element associated with the high power transient demand,obtain the set of sensed power demands, summate the set of sensed powerdemands, compare the summated sensed power demands with a maximum powerdemand threshold for the power converter, and when the summated set ofsensed power demands exceeds the maximum power demand threshold,controllably limit a maximum current for at least a subset of solidstate switching elements, wherein the limiting limits a total powersupplied by the power converter to less than or equal to the maximumpower demand threshold.
 9. The power distribution system of claim 8wherein the set of sensors are current sensors.
 10. The powerdistribution system of claim 8 wherein the power demand threshold is acurrent demand threshold.
 11. The power distribution system of claim 8wherein the set of solid state switching elements include a respectiveset of maximum current thresholds.
 12. The power distribution system ofclaim 11 wherein the controller module is further adapted tocontrollably increase at least a subset of the maximum currentthresholds in response to a high power transient demand in a respectivesubset of solid state switching elements.
 13. A method of operating apower distribution system, comprising: identifying a high powertransient demand in a set of solid state switching elements; uponidentification of the high power transient demand raising a current triprating for a respective solid state switching element associated withthe high power transient demand; receiving, in a controller module, aset of power demands from a set of power sensors associated with arespective set of controllably switchable elements; comparing the set ofpower demands with a maximum power demand criteria; and when the powerdemands exceed the maximum power demand criteria, controllably limiting,by the controller module, at least a subset of switchable elements suchthat a maximum delivered power from a power converter remains less thanthe maximum power demand criteria.
 14. The method of claim 13 whereinthe set of controllably switchable elements define a respective set ofmaximum current thresholds, and wherein controllably limiting includesaltering at least a subset of maximum current thresholds in acorresponding subset of switchable elements.
 15. The method of claim 13wherein the maximum power demand criteria includes at least one of anaverage power, a temporal power demand, a summation of the set of powerdemands from a set of power sensors, or an individual threshold valuefor a respective switchable element.